The Process of a LeaderÀpẹrẹ

Gideon

The next biblical leader we’re looking at is Gideon.

When Gideon came on the scene, the nation was in distress! They hadn’t had a solid leader since Joshua. The Lord had always been faithful to raise up a leader to deliver His people in a way that invited them to repent and turn to God. It would be five centuries before King David would come on the scene. This was the time of the judges. There were some wild judges—namely Samson—and some amazing judges like Samuel. I think we might identify most with Gideon. I know I do. What you’ll find in the story of Gideon is someone like you. Maybe, like Gideon, you don’t believe in yourself or God’s ability to do the miraculous through you.

The Midianites and the Amalekites had been oppressing the people of Israel for seven years! We may ask, “Why would God allow that?” Scripture says that the Lord let it continue because they had turned to false idols and stopped worshiping Him. Many Christians don’t like that idea in their theology—that sometimes we are allowed to face the consequences of our poor decisions and sin. God allows us occasionally to experience the pain of our poor choices to help us see our great need for Him and His great grace for us. Gideon was in such a time in his life. He and his community were experiencing the painful result of ignoring God. As God often does, He spoke to someone to rise up and be the leader the nation needed. We see Gideon get spoken to and God do miraculous things in Judges 6:11-24.

Couldn’t God have just supernaturally taken out the Midianites by the power of His own hand? Of course. He could have sent one angel to do the job. But He didn’t. Why? In God’s grace, He loves to partner with His children to bring about societal change. It’s like that moment when Jesus feeds at least fifteen thousand people with a few pieces of bread and a few fish. He could’ve done it alone, but He chose to work through His disciples. He chose to include them in the miracle. Why? Grace!

We all have fears. We’re leaders, so we don’t want to admit it. But sometimes, we’re afraid of failure. Afraid our message won’t be clear enough. Afraid our board or staff won’t fully buy in to our vision. Sometimes, we fear what people will think, and that’s natural; but it’s time for supernatural! We need to trust in the Lord and stop fear in its tracks. Proverbs 29:25 gives us insight into this. Why fear man when you can trust in the Lord? He and He alone will keep us safe!

Notice how God promises peace to Gideon in this initial encounter in Judges 6:23 (ESV): “Peace be to you. Do not fear. You will not die.” God perceived Gideon’s fear of death and drove that fear out with His love. Scripture says that God’s perfect love removes all our fears. Do you have fears you need to give to God? I know I do. One word from Jesus, Peace, can break the demonic assault of anxiety and illogical fears!

Gideon had to endure the opposing enemy and those within his nation who wanted everything to remain at the status quo. He had to endure people being upset with him for removing their idols. He had to have the courage to endure criticism from people who wanted to remain in their sin. He also had to have the courage to endure criticism from people who simply didn’t like him rocking the boat!

Every time we step out in faith to do what the Lord has placed on our hearts, it’s inevitable that we’ll face some opposition and even be tempted to quit. Many people will just want things “stay like they’ve always been” but God is awakening warriors who will have the courage to address the societal problems with Biblical solutions! God knows the pain you’re in, the opposition you face. God knows the questions that haunt your mind. God knows the fears you have. God will send people to give you truth—to debunk the lies that Satan tempts you to believe! The Father loves you more than words could ever express, and He has not forgotten you! The Father loves the people you’re called to lead out of poverty, depression and satan’s lies!

Let’s go back to our story of Gideon found in Judges 7. God tells Gideon in so many words, “The army you have is too many. I want them to know that I am delivering you and that this isn’t because of your strength or your leadership abilities.” In Judges 7:9-22, Gideon’s army is cut from a respectable 32,000 to just 300!Like Joseph, I’m sure Gideon wanted to throw in the towel. Ask any great leader of the faith if they were ever tempted to quit, and they’ll give you an emphatic, “Yes!”

Yet this didn’t stop Gideon. We should take note of this kind of faith in the face of adversity and uncertainty.

Remind yourself of Christ’s victory and let Him renew your mind. You and I are in a spiritual battle (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-7) and, at times, we feel like we are losing. In those times, remember that worship is the key to victory. The weapons we have been given are not “carnal.” They are not temporary or earthy.

Quit taking a knife to a gun fight. God has given you the Holy Spirit. God has given you the weapon of prayer! God has given you discernment—it’s a promise for every believer. Use these weapons!

Christian leaders or those who are called to be leaders can make one of two mistakes. First, they never begin. They believe they are a victim and will always be one. They don’t believe they can “do anything” for God. They are hiding in the winepress, afraid. They lack confidence and courage. They simply don’t believe that God can help them, and they certainly don’t believe God can help others through them. Maybe that’s you. Today, that changes! Let God’s Holy Spirit convict you of that false pride and fear of man. Let God forgive you for believing the enemy’s accusation instead of the Father’s declaration.